Nola went 11-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 16 starts this year. LSU's season ended Monday when it lost to Houston in an NCAA tournament regional.

His brother is now an infielder in the Miami Marlins' minor league system, and he was hitting .254 for Double-A Jacksonville through Wednesday.

Nola became the highest pick for the Phillies since they took right-handed pitcher Gavin Floyd at No. 4 overall out of a Maryland high school in 2001. Floyd, now with the Atlanta Braves, was in the majors by 2004.

The Phillies can only hope Nola, as a college player, can get to the majors in less time than it took Floyd.

If he signs quickly, he could begin his pro career in the short-season New York-Penn League with Williamsport, Pa. The New York-Penn League begins play June 13.

“It's been my dream to come to school here, and it's one of the best programs in the nation,” Nola said, according to LSU's athletic website. “Watching my brother for three years made me want to be here even more.”

The Phillies can certainly use some pitching sooner rather than later. They were swept in a three-game series that ended Thursday in Washington, giving up 19 runs to the Nationals in the three games.

Former Philadelphia outfielder and broadcaster Gary Matthews represented the Phillies at the draft, along with broadcaster Chris Wheeler.